Minor Surgery

A mole that rubs against clothing, a lump under the skin that grows, a cyst that keeps getting inflamed: these are problems solved in one visit, under local anesthesia and without a hospital. At Clínica Hispana Nueva Salud Pasadena minor surgery is evaluated and, when appropriate, performed at the same clinic, in Spanish or English.

Which procedures are done?

Removal of moles and of warts or skin tags (the small "bumps" on the neck and armpits); removal of sebaceous cysts and lipomas, the fatty lumps under the skin; removal of foreign bodies such as splinters or glass; and biopsy of skin lesions when the physician needs to know what they are. Abscesses and ingrown toenails have their own pages.

How is it decided whether a mole comes off?

It is examined first. Those removed are the ones that bother you by rubbing, bleed or you want gone for cosmetic reasons, and those showing warning signs: asymmetry, irregular borders, several colors, more than 6 millimeters or recent changes. In those cases the tissue is sent for analysis to rule out skin cancer, and if the appearance is highly suspicious, a dermatology referral is arranged before touching it.

What is the procedure like?

The area is cleaned, local anesthesia is given with a small injection and the lesion is removed: by shaving, by excision closed with stitches, or by complete removal in the case of cysts and lipomas, so they do not come back. It takes 15 to 45 minutes depending on size. You walk out with the area covered and written instructions.

Does it hurt, and does it scar?

You feel the prick of the anesthesia; after that, only pressure. Every incision leaves a mark, which is minimized with fine stitches along the skin lines and good care at home: keep it dry for 24 to 48 hours, keep the scar out of the sun for months and do not strain the area until the stitches come out, in 7 to 14 days depending on the site.

What is not done at the clinic?

Very large lesions or lesions in delicate areas such as the eyelids, lesions that require general anesthesia, and lesions with high suspicion of melanoma, which are referred to dermatology or surgery. If you take blood thinners, have uncontrolled diabetes or are allergic to local anesthesia, say so at the evaluation: an adjustment may be needed first.

How much does minor surgery cost in Pasadena?

It depends on the type and size of the lesion; we give you the price at the evaluation or by phone at (281) 747-8817. If the lesion is sent for analysis, that study is quoted separately. No health insurance is needed; we accept cash and cards.

What is the visit like?

Walk in from 9 AM to 9 PM for the evaluation; depending on the case, the procedure is done at that same visit or scheduled. Eat normally, bring your medication list and comfortable clothing that leaves the area free. Follow-up and stitch removal are done under wound care.

Medical center near you in Pasadena and Houston, TX

We are a Hispanic clinic in the Houston, TX area: we care for patients across Pasadena and South Houston, South Belt, Genoa, Sagemont, Galena Park, Deer Park, Hobby (Houston) and surrounding communities.